Standardised work-up programme for fever of unknown origin and contribution of magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of hidden systemic vasculitis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a diagnostic challenge. Rheumatologists are often in charge of patients with FUO because the vasculitides, especially, are potential and common causes of FUO.

Objective

To evaluate the value of a standardised investigation to identify the cause of FUO.

Methods

A standardised work-up programme for patients with FUO was started at the beginning of September 1999. The rate of identified causes of FUO was compared between all patients with FUO admitted to a tertiary care centre of rheumatology between January 1996 and August 1999 (control group) and September 1999 and January 2003 (work-up group). In January 2002 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was added to the investigation.

Results

67 patients with FUO were identified-

SUBMITTER: Wagner AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1755213 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature